Photographer's Note

Yuantong Temple is at the foot of Yuantong Hill in the northern part of Kunming. With a history of more than 1,200 years, it is one of the grandest as well as the most important Buddhist temple in Yunnan Province. King Yimouxun of the Nanzhao Kingdom built it during the late eighth century as a continuation of Putuoluo Temple, and the restorations performed from the Qing Dynasty onward had not changed its unique mixed architectural style of the Yuan and Ming Dynasties.

Unlike all other Buddhist temples, which are built on an ascendant, you enter Yuantong Temple from above and descend along a gently sloping garden path. The view before you starting your peaceful walk beneath the gigantic cypress trees that line the garden path to the temple with its extensive array of flowers and foliage is deeply restful and impressive. A memorial archway with four Chinese characters -Yuantong Shengjing (Yuantong Wonderland)-is standing on the halfway; you can see the entire temple from here.

The temple complex is built around Yuantong Hall (Mahavira Hall), which is known as the Fane on the Water for it is surrounded by a very large pond filled with limpid water and fish. A delicate stone bridge which has an elegant octagonal pavilion stands in the center connects Mahavira Hall and the temple entrance. The pavilion is connected to the rest of the complex by various bridges and walkways.

One of some temples in Kunming that I have visited. Very nicely situated with the ponds.

I believe that if you can get around China, it's possible to get around anywhere! I visited this temple years ago and I am happy it has not changed much at all. The highrise building at right looks new though. Good sharpness and reflections. Tfs!

Hello Malgo,
Another fine temple, probably one of many quite similar, with nice reflections in the calm pond. The photo is very nicely composed. The city planners didn't consider the wishes of photographers when they erected the new building in the background, but the city is growing, life must gp in.
Kind regards,
Gert

Hello Malgo
Beautiful and remarkable image of the Yuantong Temple.
Especially the colours in the reflection intrigues. The sky is bluer in the reflection than in the air and the other colours have a green fading. No clear water I suppose.
Not a place with many tourist or did you chase them away.
Good job, have a good weekend, Groet Rob

Hello Malgo,
The bridges look wonderful. Together with their reflections they create splendid 'round eyes'.
Also the temple is very beautiful with its double roof.
It looks like you were able to avoid the masses of Chinese tourists here. Or they were standing behind you ...
Best regards, Paul

Hi Malgo,a great piece of history in a lovely capture,very sharp composition and bright reflections too,another great suprise,every day amazing and every day different,one of your most beautiful trips is think watching your pics! Have a nice Sunday and thanks,Luciano

Ah this is so beautiful, such classic Chinese design and architecture. The gardens are delightful, you must have loved it so much. The reflections and light have been managed superbly. A really wonderful shot, thanks for sharing.

Good morning Malgo,
Excellent choice of a POV, caught wonderfully the width of the temple complex and its reflection on water.
Red and green with golden texture in fine harmony of colors - just as a temple should convey a calm ambiance.
Have a nice new day,
Ike

amazing sample of chinese architecture. I liked the circles created by the arches and its reflections. a pity the weather wasn't so nice, the waters not so clean and presence of that modern building ahead. anyway you did a nice job here. TFS.